Photo Gallery

BMW just launched a plug-in hybrid option in the BMW 7 Series, which taps into the body structure developed for the i-Series models.

The new 2017 BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance is powered by a plug-in hybrid drive system with a four-cylinder gasoline engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology coupled with an electric motor. Its 8-speed Steptronic transmission helps the 740e reach a system output of 322 horsepower.

BMW has adopted lessons learned from its i-Series by bringing over what it calls “intelligent lightweight design” that uses carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP). The BMW i technologies have also shaped what’s gone into the 740e’s electric motor, power electronics, and lithium-ion battery. Customers can tap into charging services created for the BMW i3 and i8, such as the BMW I Charging Station and ChargeNow service for charging at home or during a trip.

This model features BMW’s intelligent all-wheel drive system that distributes the combined power between the front and rear wheels. The 740e xDrive iPerformance can be driven in all-electric mode up to 75 mph. BMW says that its official EPA mileage rating is 64 MPGe combined, with an all-electric range of 14 miles. The BMW eDrive technology used in the new plug-in hybrid 740e has greenhouse gas emissions about 30 percent lower than that of the gasoline powered 740i over the full lifecycle of the car, according to BMW.

The 2017 BMW 740e is already in production and will arrive at U.S. dealerships this month. The starting price is $89,100 plus $995 for destination and handling.

It’s part of BMW’s sustainability campaign to release electrified versions of its current models along with the i-Series lineup. The 2017 BMW 740e follows the BMW X5 xDrive40e Plug-In Hybrid that was launched in 2015. That model has done fairly well in sales. It was the 4th top-selling plug-in hybrid on HybridCar’s Dashboard listing for July 2016 with 649 units sold in the U.S.